Members of the Church of Scientology Across Europe Sustain Their Commitment to Serving Communities and Advancing Spiritual Freedom.

Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a enduring tradition: supporting their communities through practical outreach that aim to restore a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the betterment of fellow citizens.

In the last few months, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have carried out numerous public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, such as neighborhood clean-ups, crisis response drills, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Similar efforts were mirrored in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all carried out under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.

Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.

Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology puts helping others at the heart of spiritual development. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that underpins the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to educational campaigns on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action demonstrates the idea that assisting others is an integral component toward one’s own spiritual awareness.

Across Europe, this philosophy has been put into action through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has been distributed to millions in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to understand and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, illustrate the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is a prerequisite for individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.

A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.

In cities like Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to address social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work supports the European Union’s emphasis on community engagement and human rights education.

“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone of a just and united community,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals choose to care for their communities, they also deepen their awareness of their own true identity. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — eu newsroom rapid not only personal liberation, but shared responsibility for the world around us.”

Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.

One of the most recognizable expressions of this ethos is the Volunteer Ministers (VMs) program, established in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their distinctive yellow T-shirts, VMs are active in over 200 nations, offering support in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to everyday challenges.

In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their training — open to anyone regardless of belief — focuses on practical tools to reduce tension, enhance understanding, and restore self-confidence.

These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the belief that people, when supported with care and insight, can find their way forward and reclaim their independence. This is why the program’s motto, “Something can be done about it,” has struck a chord worldwide.

Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.

In addition to direct assistance, Scientologists have focused significantly on education as a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and hosted community forums in collaboration with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have engaged students through school-based activities, helping young people see dignity as a right for everyone.

Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but delivered alongside secular institutions, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This cooperative spirit has earned acknowledgment from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its ongoing commitment to positive change.

The Path to Spiritual Freedom.

For Scientologists, helping the community is not separate from their spiritual journey — it is the means by which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both personal study and compassionate action. Supporting those around you thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”

“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that values solidarity and mutual aid,” added Arjona. “Scientologists build upon this heritage by bringing ethical insights into practical action — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life